John Kent Firth

HEYBURN – John Kent Firth, of Heyburn, passed away at the Huntsman Cancer Institute in Salt Lake City, Utah, early Monday morning, resulting from complications related to a nearly seven-year battle with cancer, surrounded by all of his family and many friends.

John Firth was born July 7, 1952, in Brigham City, Utah, to loving parents, John Ray Firth and Verna Lucille Lind. He was the third of seven children. John was raised on a farm and ranch in Lynn, Utah and later moved to Tremonton, where he enjoyed many summers hauling hay, riding horses, working cattle (including the family milk cow), and many other farm related duties. His love for animals continued throughout his life.

In 1970, he graduated from Bear River High School in Tremonton, Utah, later attending Utah State University. John enjoyed his college years, where he planned and participated in many activities, including adventures with his friends.

John served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Córdoba, Argentina Mission. His mission experiences provided a foundation for his church service and raising his family. He served in many capacities including a regional young adults representative, a counselor in his ward bishopric, and a member of the stake high council. Scouting and working with the youth was a hallmark of his life. He always strived to live his religion through service to others.

John loved spending time with his sweetheart, Carolyn, whom he married in the Salt Lake Temple in 1984. He always enjoyed working with his sons on the farm. He continually tried new ventures including construction projects, farm improvements, and operating other businesses. Hard work, dedication, and his sense of humor, defined his character.

John was an active member of the community. He served as president of the Minidoka County Farm Bureau, member of the Minidoka County Schools Building Committee, and Chairman of the Minidoka Soil and Water Conservation District.

John is survived by his wife, Carolyn Hurst Firth; three sons, Jason (Emilee) Firth, Aaron (Leah) Firth, and Nathan (Carly) Firth; mother, Lucille Firth; brother, Paul (Katie) Firth; three sisters, Linda (Wade) Zollinger, Connie (Reid) Smith, and DawnL (Frank) Poole; and two grandchildren, Nathan James Firth, and Ava Rae Firth.

He was preceded in death by his father, John Ray Firth; brother, Raymond Firth; sister, LeeAnn Neibaur; brothers-in-law, William Neibaur, and Wade Zollinger.

Family and friends are invited to attend services for John Firth held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 29, 2017, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Paul, Idaho Stake Center, 424 West Ellis Avenue. Interment will follow in the Paul, Idaho Cemetery.

A viewing will be held Friday, April 28, 2017, from 6 until 8 pm at the Rasmussen Funeral Home, 1350 East 16th Street, Burley, Idaho, and from 10 until 10:45 am Saturday preceding the service at the church.